Md. high school coach retires after scuffle with student | News

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FREDERICK, Md. (AP) - A high school football coach in Frederick has retired following a complaint that he scuffled with a player.

St. John's Catholic Prep President Thomas Powell said Thursday that John Ricca retired to pursue other activities.

Ricca couldn't be reached for comment. Calls to his listed home number were eventually answered by a man who said it was a Pizza Hut.

Ricca coached for 10 seasons, starting in 2002.

Seventeen-year-old Errance Meeks Jr., a senior co-captain last season, says Powell pulled him over a table, knelt on his chest and choked him in the gymnasium Feb. 4. Meeks says the episode started with horseplay that he, Meeks, initiated.

Powell says he has apologized to the boy's parents "for any activity that was not up to the standards of a private school."